The Hypocritical Oath: Primum tibi ipsi non nocere

If you’re so successful, why is your relationship with time so unhealthy?

It’s a question that haunted me growing up. My mentors–physicians whom I deeply admired–consistently exhibited an unhealthy relationship with time, always racing against the clock, rushing from one appointment or commitment to the next.

I assumed this relentless pace was normal, even desirable–a sign you were in demand, valued, and urgently needed by others. Being busy was proof your skills mattered–that YOU mattered. You were always expected somewhere else, always needed to serve more people.

This culture drives us from one exhausting milestone to the next–pre-med coursework, medical school admissions, licensing exams, clinical rotations, residency matches, and board certifications. Each success becomes merely a gateway to another breathless sprint.

Yet, before our first day of medical school, we take an oath–“do no harm.” Shouldn’t that inherently include ourselves?

When we sacrifice our own health in service of others, ignoring our circadian rhythms and pushing our minds and bodies to their breaking points–aren’t we violating the very oath we swore to uphold? Isn’t self-care fundamental to effectively caring for others?

The “Messiah complex” may initially appear noble, but eventually becomes pathological. Chronic stress, driven by relentless demands and neglect of personal well-being, significantly increases our risk for heart disease–the world’s leading cause of death.

So why do we perpetuate this paradox? Why do we claim to “do no harm” while tolerating schedules that harm ourselves? As the saying goes, “Physician, heal thyself.” What if we healed our relationship with time? Are we ready to embrace, celebrate and invigorate the fourth dimension of life?

Imagine if physicians were role models of health, and embodied the behavior they wished to see in their patients. What if, like the heart–pumping oxygen to itself first–we committed to regular exercise, consistent sleep of 7-9 hours, actively pursued joy, and nurtured meaningful relationships? Perhaps we should evolve from primum non nocere (“first, do no harm”) to primum tibi ipsi non nocere (“first, do no harm–to yourself”). It’s time we apply our oath to ourselves–a promise each healer owes to their own health.